An electronic apparatus disclosed facilitates the replacement of an input device. In the electronic apparatus equipped with the input device allowing various input operations, the input device including first signal generators is positioned by being placed in an opening of a housing from the outside. A cover can be detached from the housing and fixes the input device when installed in the opening of the housing. Second signal generators are provided inside the housing and function in combination with the respective first signal generators. Just mounting the cover to the housing fixes the input device. This facilitates the replacement of the input device, eliminating the need to open the housing and to remove a wiring board mounted with the second signal generators in replacement of the input device.
Legal claims defining the scope of protection, as filed with the USPTO.
1. A trackball apparatus comprising: a magnetic sensor; a case; a ball provided inside said case; four rollers, each of said rollers disposed orthogonal to each adjacent roller and each of said rollers facing said ball across a clearance; and a magnet fixed to one end of each of said four rollers, wherein said magnet rotates in accordance with rotation of one of said four rollers that contacts said ball, thereby changing magnetism when said ball is rolled, and said magnetic sensor detects the changing magnetism.
2. The trackball apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a wiring board, wherein said magnetic sensor is disposed on a position of the wiring board facing said magnet.
3. The trackball apparatus of claim 2 , wherein said magnetic sensor and said wiring board are covered with an insulating sheet.
4. The trackball apparatus of claim 2 , wherein said ball is operable to be vertically movable, and a switch which operates in relation to vertical movement of said ball is provided on said wiring board.
5. The trackball apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a resilient member disposed below said ball, wherein said ball is pressed against a circular hole of said case from inside said case by said resilient member.
6. The trackball apparatus of claim 5 , wherein said resilient member includes a plate spring disposed in said case and said plate spring pushes up said ball from beneath.
7. The trackball apparatus of claim 2 , further comprising a resilient member disposed below said ball, wherein said ball is pressed against a circular hole of said case from inside said case by said resilient member.
8. The trackball apparatus of claim 7 , wherein said resilient member includes a plate spring disposed in said case and said plate spring pushes up said ball from beneath.
9. The trackball apparatus of claim 1 , wherein each of said four rollers has a recessed and projected part at a part thereof which is operable to contact said ball.
Cooperative Patent Classification codes for this invention. Click any code to explore related patents in that topic.
July 24, 2007
November 8, 2011
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